Bronx Commercial Truck Accident Claims: What Victims Need to Know
Two serious Bronx commercial truck accidents occurred in early 2025, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old woman. The other collision sent multiple people to Jacobi Hospital for care. Since negligence is often involved and multiple parties can be liable for these tragic events, truck accident insurance companies fight hard to deny all new claims or minimize settlement amounts.
Serious Bronx truck accidents occur far too often
The first of the two 2025 accidents referenced above occurred during the morning rush hour. A senior citizen had stopped for groceries and was heading home. The surveillance video shows that while she attempted to cross Franklin Avenue at E. 169th Street, a nearby commercial truck rolled forward, knocking the woman to the ground and pinning her under its front wheel. Despite being rushed for care to Lincoln Hospital, her life could not be saved.
The second collision involved a food delivery truck and an ambulance near 6:30 AM at the intersection of Pelham Parkway and Williamsburg Road. The impact was so forceful that when the delivery truck flipped over on its side, two people suffered serious injuries.
Here’s a closer look at:
- High-risk traffic areas of the Bronx
- The special dangers facing commercial trucks on the Cross Bronx Expressway
- The high insurance policy limits
- Tactics used to minimize settlements
- Steps your lawyer can take to protect your claim
Insurance Policy Limits Are High – and Insurance Companies Fight to Avoid Paying Them
Typical Policy Limits
Most New York commercial truck drivers are required to carry liability coverage of roughly \$750,000. But in serious cases, payouts can reach \$1 million or more. If the truck carries hazardous materials, the coverage limit may go as high as \$5 million.
Why Adjusters Fight Hard
Insurance adjusters aim to keep costs down and protect the bottom line. Their tactics include:
- Blaming pre-existing conditions
- Delaying case progress
- Questioning your injuries
- Challenging liability
Common Tactics Used to Deny or Minimize Claims
Delay Tactics
Insurance adjusters delay by claiming:
- They’re still reviewing earlier claims
- They’re waiting for more medical records
- Your injuries are not severe enough to justify compensation
These tactics aim to exhaust your patience and force a low settlement.
Denying Liability
Some may argue:
- Your pain stems from prior injuries
- The wrong driver was named
- Your doctors exaggerated your injuries
We counter these by presenting:
- Medical records
- Eyewitness accounts
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
Attacking Your Medical Records
Insurance companies may request an IME (Independent Medical Exam) with their own doctor, hoping to downplay your injuries. We respond by:
- Cross-examining the IME report
- Submitting counter-opinions from your physicians
- Emphasizing consistent, credible medical documentation
Location-Based Defenses
Dangerous Location Argument
Adjusters might claim the accident occurred in a notoriously dangerous area such as:
- Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95)
- Grand Concourse section
- Hunts Point Peninsula
- Bronx Logistics Center
These arguments often fail when we present clear negligence and liability evidence.
Pedestrian Hotspots to Watch
Pedestrians should be cautious at:
- East 149th Street and Park Avenue
- Jerome Avenue and East Burnside Avenue
- University Avenue and West Kingsbridge Road
- East 138th Street and Bruckner Road
- West Fordham and Sedgwick Avenue
These are known accident zones near major Bronx landmarks like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo.
Settlement Amounts: What You Might Expect
Factors Influencing Settlements
- Severity of injury
- Number of surgeries
- Disability duration
- Loss of income
- Long-term care needs
Settlement Range Estimates
- Minor Injuries: \$5,000 – \$25,000
- Moderate Injuries: \$50,000 – \$250,000
- Severe Injuries: \$500,000 – Several million
- Spinal Cord Injuries: \$1.5M – \$12M
- Amputations: \$2M – \$5M+
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: \$800K – \$20M
Contact Us for Help
If you’ve suffered serious injuries in a Bronx commercial truck accident, contact our law firm immediately. We’ll:
- Investigate your case thoroughly
- Review all medical evidence
- Fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in New York?
You generally have 3 years from the date of the accident, but consult a lawyer immediately.
2. Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. What evidence should I collect after a truck accident?
Photos, witness information, police reports, and medical records are crucial.
4. How long do commercial truck accident claims take to settle?
Anywhere from several months to over a year depending on case complexity and injuries.
5. Will I have to go to court?
Not always. Many claims settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
6. Can I sue more than just the truck driver?
Yes. You may be able to sue the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance providers.
7. What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
This may increase liability and raise policy limits significantly.
8. Do I need a lawyer to deal with the insurance company?
Absolutely. Insurance companies often try to underpay victims who don’t have legal representation.
9. What if I was a pedestrian hit by a truck?
You can still file a claim for compensation just like any vehicle accident victim.
10. How much is my truck accident case worth?
Each case varies. Factors include injury severity, lost income, and long-term medical needs.
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